Digital Resource Selection

As I looked through the information I found about resource selection, I found myself nodding my head quite often. I feel as though I have learned so much in this class already that the information I was reading already has been drilled as “right” into my brain. All of the resources I found talked about how important it is to make sure that resources have a purpose and aren’t being used just to be used. This is something I learned in week one when I did my technology integration module. I even read an article that referenced the SAMR model which Dr. Mausbach had me apply to my first project and I felt so smart for already knowing what it was all about.

I use rubrics to grade the artwork in my classroom. It is the easiest, most objective way to put a grade on something that is a personal expression of someone. It isn’t fair to grade young students on talent, but they have to be graded on something. I use rubrics to define directions and expectations. Even with the face that I use rubrics in my classroom on a regular basis, I never though of using a rubric to evaluate an iPad app.

Not only is this an amazing way to see if an app meets my standards, I also have a great way to evaluate it AND STORE THAT EVALUATION for future reference. I don’t know about you, but from year to year sometimes I forget how things went for a certain lesson or program that I used. I try to do the best I can to take notes for next time, but that doesn’t always work out. (I am only in my second year teaching too so you know its bad). This is perfect to evaluate an app you use with your students then file it away. Then, next year when you go to use that app again (or next week or next month) you can pull out the file and see what it was lacking. Maybe you can do a quick search and see if there is an app on the market now that can meet all of your criteria.

One article that I read from the list of recommended resources was about rubrics and had a link to a website that I really found to like. It is:

http://www.ipads4teaching.net/ipads-in-the-classroom.html 

The page that I linked to above has TONS of resources:

Links to blooms taxonomy information

Links to iPad app evaluations

Ipad Professional Development activities

IBook creation tutorials

Tons of lessons that use apps and more

This is an awesome resource. Let me know if you find anything in there that is just TOO AWESOME to pass.

This week for my application project I have selected a rubric that I would like at least five of the teachers at my school to fill out about an app and I would like to share them with you but other teachers at my school as well!